Utopia basin

The Utopia basin is an ancient impact crater located in the northern plains of Mars. It is part of Utopia Planitia, a vast lava plain that was chosen as the landing site for the U.S. Viking 2 probe in 1976. Photographs from the Viking 2 lander revealed a plain with scattered boulders, similar in composition to the Viking 1 landing site in Chryse Planitia. The Utopia plain is distinguished by shallow troughs, possibly formed by permafrost activity.12

The northern plains of Mars, where the Utopia basin is situated, are characterized by low relief and are thought to be composed partly of lava flows. Some scientists propose that these plains may have once been covered by large bodies of water. The Utopia basin is one of the few significant topographical features within this otherwise smooth region.2